Ultrasonography of the cisterna chyli has been used in humans to diagnose increased lymphatic flow or lymph flow obstruction and to guide percutaneous embolization of the thoracic duct via the cisterna ... [more ▼]

Ultrasonography of the cisterna chyli has been used in humans to diagnose increased lymphatic flow or lymph flow obstruction and to guide percutaneous embolization of the thoracic duct via the cisterna chyli. The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of the dorsal portion of cisterna chyli in dogs and cats with chylous ascites or chylothorax and in a group of healthy dogs and cats. The aorta and the cranial mesenteric artery were used as anatomic landmarks. Ultrasonography was performed before and 2 h after a fatty meal in healthy dogs and cats. The visualized structure was confirmed to be a dilated cisterna chyli at necropsy in a dog with chylous ascites. The confirmed or presumed cisterna chyli was consistently detected using ultrasonography in nonfasted healthy animals and clinically affected animals and appeared as an anechoic tubular structure, without detectable flow, at the right dorsolateral aspect of the aorta. It had a similar ultrasonographic appearance in patients with chyloabdomen and in nonfasted healthy dogs and cats. There was considerable overlap in diameters of the cisterna chyli for affected and healthy animals. The shape and size of the cisterna chyli in an individual animal were variable during the same ultrasound examination and between different examinations. This study demonstrated the appearance of the presumed dorsal portion of the cisterna chyli by ultrasonography and might provide useful preliminary data for further studies into the feasibility of ultrasound-guided injections or aspirations of the cisterna chyli in dogs and cats. [less ▲]

Background: Measurement of CSF albumin aids diagnosis in human medicine but technical difficulties related to its low CSF concentration prohibit its routine use in veterinary medicine. High-resolution electrophoresis (HRE) has been described but often results in non-interpretable integration profiles preventing albumin determination. Fraction quantification using HRE may be more precise after concentration (cHRE) using a membrane microconcentrator technique but has not been evaluated in CSF with total protein levels below 20mg/dL. Immunoturbidimetry is routinely used for human CSF albumin measurement and was recently applied on canine samples with encouraging results. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare HRE (including the use of a concentration step) and immunoturbidimetric assay for the measurement of albumin levels in normal canine CSF. Methods: 30 CSF specimens from 15 healthy dogs were evaluated. CSF total protein was measured by the pyrogallol red methoda and CSF albumin was determined by HREb (n=15), cHREc (n=30) and immunoturbidimetric assayd (n=30). Validation of the human immunoturbidimetric assay was performed using a purified canine albumin standarde. Results: Mean CSF total protein was 17.5 (range 7-39) mg/dL. HRE integration profiles were non-interpretable in all unconcentrated specimens. However, clear distinction of the major protein fractions was achieved for all cHRE specimens. CSF albumin levels were measureable in 29/30 specimens using immunoturbidimetry. Excellent correlation (Pearson r=0.92, p<0.001) was found between the two techniques. Conclusion: Immunoturbidimetry and cHRE may be used for routine measurement of CSF albumin. [less ▲]

OBJECTIVE: To describe outcome of treatment with propofol and phenobarbital for status epilepticus (SE) after portosystemic shunt (PSS) attenuation. CASE OR SERIES SUMMARY: Three dogs without preceding ... [more ▼]

OBJECTIVE: To describe outcome of treatment with propofol and phenobarbital for status epilepticus (SE) after portosystemic shunt (PSS) attenuation. CASE OR SERIES SUMMARY: Three dogs without preceding seizure activity, were diagnosed with a single extrahepatic PSS. Following standard preoperative medical therapy, an ameroid constrictor was placed surgically. Recovery was uneventful until spontaneous SE developed 46-96 hours after surgery. After unsuccessful seizure control with benzodiazepines, dogs were treated with a bolus of propofol followed by a propofol constant rate infusion. Phenobarbital was concurrently administered and supportive care was optimized. All dogs recovered uneventfully over the next 7-9 days. Over the following months phenobarbital was slowly tapered. All dogs have been free from antiepileptic drugs for several months, without recurrence of neurologic signs. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: In this case series, we describe the treatment of 3 dogs with propofol and phenobarbital for refractory SE following attenuation of a single congenital PSS. After weaning of the propofol constant rate infusion, and tapering and discontinuation of phenobarbital over the following months, all dogs experienced a complete recovery. This study provides evidence that use of propofol in combination with phenobarbital may be efficacious for management of SE in dogs after PSS surgery. [less ▲]